Glaxo Group Limited

Biogen, Incorporated

Biogen, N.v.

Gary N Buell

Nageswararao Movva

Eric H Kawashima

Annmarie Surprenant

Soledad Valera

The present invention relates, in general, to a purinergic receptor and, particular, to a P2X (also designated P2Z) receptor. The invention further relates to a nucleic acid encoding the P2X receptor and to a method of producing P2X combinantly using same. The invention also relates to a method of screening compounds for their ability to inhibit P2X activity and thereby for their usefulness in treating a variety of diseases/disorders, including arthritic and respiratory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods of screening modulators of mammalian P2X7 purinergic receptors

The P,receptor of ATP has been cloned and expressed by recombinant DNA technology, so the receptor can be prepared free from other ATP receptors. The P,receptor enables antibodies to be prepared and is useful in screening compounds for use in a variety of diseases and conditions, including epilepsy, cognition, emesis, pain (especially migraine), asthma, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, diseases of the immune system, irritable bowel syndrome and premature ejaculation.

Method of screening for compounds that bind P2x receptor

The present invention relates, in general, to a purinergic receptor and, in particular, to a P2X.sub.7 (also designated P2Z) receptor. The invention further relates to a nucleic acid encoding the P2X.sub.7 receptor and to a method of producing P2X.sub.7 recombinantly using same. The invention also relates to a method of screening compounds for their ability to inhibit P2X.sub.7 activity and thereby for their usefulness in treating a variety of diseases/disorders, including arthritic and respiratory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Purinergic receptor

P.sub.2x receptor DNA and protein sequence

A process for selecting DNA sequences that are optimal for the production of polypeptides in hosts transformed with those DNA sequences. These DNA sequences, which code for a variety of human and animal proteins, permit the high level expression of those products in host cells. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, DNA sequences optimal for the production of human somatomedin C are selected and employed to express that growth enhancing factor.

Production of human somatomedin C

DNA sequences, recombinant DNA molecules and processes for producing bovine growth hormone-like polypeptides in high yield and the novel polypeptides produced thereby. These polypeptides are useful in improving the rate of growth of and meat production and quality in cattle.

Growing community of inventors

Geneva, Switzerland

Gary N Buell